Grandfather Mountain State Park March Programs

BANNER ELK, NC (March 2, 2107)…Here are some really great programs at Grandfather Mountain State Park for the month of March.

Forest Literacy Hike
Appropriate for all ages; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please no pets. | 2-mile hike round trip.
When you walk through the woods, what do you see? Most of us see the plants, animals and nonliving objects but fail to read the story behind these. If you know what to look for and how to ‘read’ the forest you get a glimpse into the past and understand the how and why of what brought the forest to its current state. Join a Ranger and learn the skills of reading the forest. Become forest literate and unlock the secrets of the forest! Bring snacks and water. Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions and wear hiking footwear. We will have a brief discussion followed by a hike lasting approximately 2 – 2.5 hours. For Directions to the Boone Fork parking lot, visit http://goo.gl/dEizYH.
Date: Sat, 03/11/2017 – 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Location: Boone Fork Parking Area (Just north of the 300 Milepost on Blue Ridge Parkway) (GPS: 36.120076, -81.781358) http://goo.gl/dEizYH

Winter Tree ID Hike
Appropriate for ages 10 and up; children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please, no pets.
Participants will learn how to identify local trees without the aid of leaves by learning differences in bark, limb, bud and branching patterns. Participants are encouraged to bring field guides to local trees. Program will last approximately two hours and hike 1 mile (2 miles round trip). Hiking boots are recommended. This is an outdoor event and those in attendance should come dressed for the current weather conditions. If there is new snow and/or ice, please call ahead. 828.963.9522 or email grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov. Difficulty: moderately strenuous terrain.
Date: Sun, 03/12/2017 – 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Location: Profile Parking Area, Hwy 105 S, Banner Elk (GPS: 36.121990, -81.829993) https://goo.gl/dBX99s. If The Profile Parking Lot Is Closed: Hikers will meet at the Lowes Foods parking lot (north end); At intersection of Highway 105 and Highway 184 (GPS: 36.117745, -81.835408 Google Map: http://goo.gl/2UfGha)

How to use a Compass and Map
Appropriate for ages 13 and up; children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to navigate by map and compass instead of the GPS on your phone or car? Here is your chance, join Ranger Sicard and learn the basics of map and compass skills for your next hike or to go burry that trunk of treasure you have and let “X mark the spot” so you will find it again.
Date: Fri, 03/17/2017 – 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: Park Office – 9872 Hwy 105 S, Suite 6, Banner Elk (Google Map: https://goo.gl/Uq0vrX)

How to use a Compass and Map
Appropriate for ages 13 and up; children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to navigate by map and compass instead of the GPS on your phone or car? Here is your chance, join Ranger Sicard and learn the basics of map and compass skills for your next hike or to go burry that trunk of treasure you have and let “X mark the spot” so you will find it again.
Date: Sun, 03/26/2017 – 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: Park Office – 9872 Hwy 105 S, Suite 6, Banner Elk (Google Map: https://goo.gl/Uq0vrX)